Sizwe Dlamini
Trade flows between RSA and Eswatini is not inconsequential as Eswatini exported goods worth R25.28 billion in 2023.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Edward Kieswetter during the Oeshoek/Ngwenya Time Release Study (TRS) launch Report held at Badplaas, South Africa on the 20th of May 2024.
During the period, South Africa’s main imports from Eswatini were mixtures of resins, beverages, syrup, sugars, and binders for foundry moulds.
Kieswetter went on to indicate that over the same period, South Africa’s exports to Eswatini reached R29.63 billion, with refined petroleum products, being the leading export commodity, followed by electricity and maize.
Over the same period, total trade between the two countries increased by R7.44 billion (15.7%) in 2023, due to an increase in exports of R4.22 billion (16.6%) and an increase in imports of R3.22 billion (14.6%).
Kieswetter highlighted that Eswatini is ranked as SA’s 21st largest trading partner compared to being 20th ranked in 2019, with South Africa maintaining a trade balance surplus over the past five years.
Kieswetter further noted that collaboration and integration are key going forward for the two countries.
“We are currently exchanging 89% of customs transactional data through Customs (IT) Connectivity with SACU Customs Administrations. It is our view in SARS that there is no better time than the present for the development of a Single Regional Customs Declaration (SRCD) for SACU”.
He added that it is key that both countries embrace the use of technology to increase efficiency.
“Similarly, the same question must be asked as to the unified reporting of electronic road manifest data by transporters across SACU, and what that means for transport controls using electronic seals and tracking technology, thereby also shifting those controls away from the frontline and towards remote viewing and audit”. As SACU Directors General and Commissioners, we must actively collaborate and share our modernization efforts”.